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Titus

Chapter 3

Grace Remembered and Good Works Renewed

Paul tells Titus to remind believers to be submissive, peaceable, and ready for good works, remembering that they themselves were once foolish and enslaved before the kindness and saving mercy of God appeared in Christ. He then grounds Christian life in the washing of new birth, the renewal of the Holy Spirit, and the hope of eternal life, urging that these truths be emphasized so believers will devote themselves to good works. The chapter closes by warning against foolish controversies and divisive people, then ends with practical instructions, greetings, and one more call to fruitful care for pressing needs.

As the letter's final chapter, it gathers together Titus's main concerns: civic conduct, salvation by mercy rather than merit, the usefulness of good works, and the rejection of divisive, empty disputes. It closes with grace made visible in ordinary fruitfulness.

3 sections·296 words·~1 min read

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Titus 3

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vv. 1-8

Heirs of Grace

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R1emind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work, 2to malign no one, and to be peaceable and gentle, showing full consideration to everyone.

3For at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, misled, and enslaved to all sorts of desires and pleasures — living in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. 6This is the Spirit He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that, having been justified by His grace, we would become heirs with the hope of eternal life.

8This saying is trustworthy. And I want you to emphasize these things, so that those who have believed God will take care to devote themselves to good deeds. These things are excellent and profitable for the people.

vv. 9-11

Avoid Divisions

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B9ut avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless. 10Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition, 11knowing that such a man is corrupt and sinful; he is self-condemned.

vv. 12-15

Final Remarks and Greetings

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A12s soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. 13Do your best to equip Zenas the lawyer and Apollos, so that they will have everything they need. 14And our people must also learn to devote themselves to good works in order to meet the pressing needs of others, so that they will not be unfruitful. 15All who are with me send you greetings.

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  1. 01vv. 1-8Heirs of GracePaul tells Titus to remind believers to live in submissive, peaceable, and considerate ways toward rulers and everyone else, not because they were always such people, but because God's kindness and love appeared to save them by mercy. He describes that salvation as the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, poured out richly through Jesus Christ, so that believers become heirs of eternal life and therefore should devote themselves to good works.
  2. 02vv. 9-11Avoid DivisionsPaul tells Titus to avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, quarrels, and law-fights because they are useless and empty. A divisive person is to be warned once and then again, and if he persists he is to be rejected, since such a person is warped, sinful, and self-condemned.
  3. 03vv. 12-15Final Remarks and GreetingsPaul closes with travel plans, asking Titus to come to Nicopolis when Artemas or Tychicus arrives, and urging that Zenas and Apollos be helped generously. He tells the believers to learn to devote themselves to good works for urgent needs so that they will not be unfruitful. The letter ends with greetings and grace.
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